Everything about migraine headaches you must know!

Headaches are not something unusual. Every person suffers from some or the other type of headache at least for once in their life. Most of these headaches are easily treated and some subside on their own. There are different kinds of headaches such as the ones that are caused by tension, some that are caused due to an inflammation of the sinus and some are cluster headaches that are a combination of different headache symptoms. However, one of the most debilitating ones is the migraine headaches.

About migraine headache:

This headache type is extremely excruciating. The throbbing or pulsating sensation of this headache type is something that usually concentrates in only one side of the head. This makes the pain extremely difficult to cope with. What makes the migraine headaches even dreaded is that it takes its toll even on the children.

Many people do not realize this, but migraines are as frequent in children as in adults. In fact, research studies have proven that most of the migraine patients have had their first migraine attacks when they were young adults or teens.

Causes of migraine headaches:

Though the nature of migraine headache is clear, its exact causes are not clearly known. Scientists have found its association with certain brain chemicals and their imbalances in the brain.

When the trigeminal nerves interact with the brain stream, they release certain brain chemicals known as the neuropeptides. These neuropeptides cause the pain in your head. At the same time, they also reduce the release of serotonin, yet another brain chemical that helps in regulating your pain. Usually your headaches subside with time or do not feel so severe because of the serotonin chemical. But as its level is dropped, it causes the severe headache.

Triggers of migraine headache:

Though the causes of migraine headaches are not clear, there are some external factors that actually have a direct association with migraine attacks. These external factors are known as migraine triggers. These triggers usually vary from person to person. But there are some that are mostly common. These are –

Foods like aged cheese or processed and salty cheese

Alcohol and other caffeinated drinks

Oral contraceptives and certain other medicines

Hormonal changes in women

Stress

Physical exhaustion

Change in sleeping pattern

Fasting or skipping meals

Environmental changes

Loud sound, strong smell, bright light.

Since there is a wide range of possible triggers, the doctors always recommend that you download a migraine diary and keep a track of your specific triggers. If you suffer from migraine attacks, it is always a good idea to have a migraine diary handy. You can download one from this link http://www.mewithoutmigraine.com/migraine-diary/.

Symptoms of migraine headache:

The symptoms of migraine headaches vary from one stage to another. But the ones that you will experience during an attack are –

Nausea

Vomiting

Pulsating or throbbing pain in one side of your head

Sensitivity to light, sound and strong smell

Light-headedness

Blurry vision

Some migraine sufferers experience auras, which are nervous system disorders that disrupt the motor, sensory and verbal powers or sensations. The auras may last for about 20 to 60 minutes, while the symptoms of migraine may last for 4 to 72 hours. However, auras are not compulsory for every migraine sufferer.

Here it must be mentioned that children sufferers may not experience any headache at all; instead, they suffer from severe stomach ache during a migraine attack.

Seeing a doctor:

If you too have experienced these symptoms, then it is likely that your headache type is migraine. In that case, it is a must that you see a skilled doctor and seek the best treatment for migraine headaches. The doctor would prescribe the right medicines and preventive measures to keep the problem in control.